Rooted in Northern California modernism, Cochran has practiced in the Bay Area for more than 30 years. Her San Francisco-based firm has a reputation for seamlessly integrating landscape, art and architecture.

Cochran’s approach to placemaking emphasizes the unique culture and climate of the region, using a restrained palette of materials to heighten the experience of the natural environment.

“This is an occasion to celebrate the legacy of modernism in California, and to talk about how we should build upon that legacy,” said Cochran of her Los Altos appearance. “It is important to think about how we can use sustainability to expand our definition of modernism in design practice today – whether as a designer or as a client.”

The Neutra House Architecture Speakers Series is bringing some of the best architects in California to Los Altos. Our series is attracting audiences from all around the Bay Area. Three of our speakers are coming up from Southern California.

The first speaker is Charles (Chuck) Davis, the senior partner of EHDD, an architecture firm in San Francisco. Chuck is going to talk about his design of the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and memories of working for his clients David and Lucile Packard. EHDD is also known for its expertise on sustainable design and designed the new building under construction on Second Street for the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Other speakers are: Rob Steinberg on his father’s legacy as an architect; Professor Thomas Hines, the author of definitive books on Richard Neutra; Craig Hartman of SOM; Steve Glenn, CEO of LivingHomes; and Ray Kappe. These talks are designed for the general public. Learn more at our website where you can purchase tax-deductible series tickets.

The Los Altos Community Foundation’s Neutra House Fund and Jan and Bob Fenwick are hosting a fundraising party at the Fenwick home on September 22nd. The theme is ‘Celebrate Architecture” and the proceeds help pay off the construction loan required to move and restore the house as an architecture history exhibit and public meeting facility.

The party includes a program interviewing architects involved in building the Fenwick home and the original Foothill campus. Goody Steinberg passed away last year, but a young architect helped him with the Fenwick home. Alex Bergtraun along with Bob Fenwick will talk about the design of this architectural gem. Carroll Rankin who is just turning 94 was the project architect assigned to get the original campus built properly. Carroll worked with Cal Flint and Bob Smithwick and Ernie Kump and two construction contractors to build the award-winning campus.

If you did not receive an invitation, you can sign up and pay for the party on-line: www.neutrahouse.org. Go to the “upcoming events” tab to pay and to find instructions for parking.